LONDON ART BOX: LONDON IN LOS ANGELES

“Some of the UK’s most ambitious emerging artists are packing up a small and exciting piece of the London art scene to captivate Los Angeles…”

LA: 2- 4 Sept 2011

London: 28 Sept 2011

London Art Box (LAB) is a London ‘micro-gallery’ in which the artists have been invited to prepare a special exhibition for the landmark LA event, FLAG STOP. Catch the LAB and take part in LA or London this September.

I’m thrilled to be part of this exhibition curated by Samir Ceric. The LAB will not be your typical tea party gathering. Neither is the space anything at all like the static, white-wall gallery of institutional convention. Rather, the artists of LAB will provide an interactive, performative presence: staging impromptu discussions about not just their own works, but also the works of their peers, encouraging a dialogue about contemporary art. They will be regularly re-arranging the work and inviting visitors to help curate the space. I will be as orchestrating an interactive performance element myself as my word collection project extends across the Atlantic to collect words from our American neighbours.
If you can’t make it across the pond to catch LAB, there will be a special UK VIP event on 28th September when the LAB will return to London with a film screening of the event, discussions with the artists and curators, plus a rather creative twist. Come along to meet and find out more about this exciting group of artists.

More info…

FLAG STOP is analternative contemporary art event in LA. Its mission is to present new and emerging contemporary art to a larger audience outside the mainstream art venues. FLAG STOP’s invitation to Debut Contemporary to feature LAB in this landmark event will bring these talented artists into direct contact with Southern California’s public and some of today’s most reputable artists, galleries, and arts professionals.

The artists represent a wide range of media, backgrounds and contemporary approaches to creating art. Between them they have exhibited at The Venice Biennale, Tate Britain and Tate Modern, worked with clients such as Jerry Lewis and Groove Armada, and have had work auctioned by high profile Christies auctioneer Hugh Edmeades. Collectors of their work are in many countries and include Banksy and Bill Woodrow.

As FLAG STOP is free to the public, entire communities that aren’t typically exposed to contemporary art will have the opportunity to meet these artists and ask questions—demystifying contemporary art and forming a more personal and meaningful understanding of our world through the eyes of an artist.

“Today, on average, every house has one and a half cars,” says Ceric. “I’d like to think in 20 years every household in this country will have at least two pieces of art, if not more. I want the importance of art to be grasped by every strata of society.”

Most importantly, the art experience will not be confined to the project’s exhibition space. No, the LAB artists will be everywhere during FLAG STOP’s events—they can be found discussing the work of other contemporary artists, posing for a photo op, or even sharing a bite with you at the catered food trucks. How will the public know who they are? “They will be wearing white LAB coats, of course,” says Ceric. So get comfortable with contemporary art—it is a social experiment, after all.

What will I be showing?

Keep your eyes peeled for a sculpture carved from books, a bit of a performance, and a brand new piece made entirely through mark making with a date-stamp on paper – only to be unveiled in LA! OK, OK… you can have a tiny sneak preview:

When and Where?

FLAG STOP, An Alternative Contemporary Art Event is free and open to the public:

Friday Sept 2nd opening for guests only

Saturday Sept 3rd & Sunday Sept 4th, 12pm to 6pm

SouthBayLexus,24777 Crenshaw Blvd,Torrance,CA90505

London VIP event: (rsvp@nicolaanthony.co.uk)

28 Sept – Debut Contemporary Gallery, Notting Hill, London

Help the artists travel to the USA:

I am really thrilled to have been invited to represent my country in this landmark event, it will be an incredible opportunity for me to expand my practice beyond the UK and into the US market. Being selected for FLAG STOP is one hurdle crossed. My next challenge remains getting there to be alongside my work. To raise the funds I’m offering a one off opportunity: some of my original artworks are on sale at a discounted price just to make this trip possible – which will include my flight, my hotel stay and shipping of my works. Get in touch – makeLApossible@nicolaanthony.co.uk -if you want a list of all my available works, or click on the fundraising site below to see a selection of work from all the artists or make a contribution: